The spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhao Lijian, has said that the country's deal with the Vatican on the naming of bishops has been “implemented successfully” with the efforts of both parties.
In a regular press conference, the Chinese official was asked whether China has plans to renew the secret deal which expires in October, to which he responded that the “two sides will continue to push forward in relevant work in accordance with the jointly agreed agenda.”
There was no indication that the details of the agreement, which was originally struck in 2018 and must be renewed every two years, would be made public.
In a recent interview, Pope Francis expressed his desire that the deal be renewed, and recognized that while it may not be ideal, it leaves the door open to improve relations with China, and further support the estimated 12 million Catholics there.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
Our way of doing politics is about taking small steps. We believe that every result—even if it isn't striking, even if it isn't eye-catching, even if, at first, perhaps it seems to not yield big results—is however, a step forward, toward the affirmation also of greater religious freedom.
Currently the deal allows the Chinese government to nominate bishops for the Pope's approval. To date, six new bishops have been appointed in China since the deal was struck in 2018.
JM
